Muddy Paws, Festive Furballs & Holiday Mischief!
Christmas cheer isn’t just for the humans – as trees go up, delicious food goes in the oven, and decorations (accidentally) fall off the tree – our furry family members are right in the middle of the festive fun. Whether it’s muddy farm adventures, unplanned “singing”, stolen snacks, or simply sitting in the middle of the fireplace like royalty, these beloved pets bring their own kind of magic to the season. Here’s how a few of our local characters are celebrating – in their own words:
Golden Girl
My name is Molly, and I love Christmas as I get to visit my Granny at the farm (this is good because it’s very muddy there during summer). I chase all the birds and chickens, and on Christmas Day, we eat a roast! The only part I don’t like is when I have to wear these reindeer horns – they look silly on me. Sigh! I bark a lot when I’m at the farm – my mum says I bark at nothing, but I think that there is nothing because I bark.
A-Donkey-Ble Chan
Hiii, I’m Chan!
We donkeys are a pretty central part of Christmas. My favourite part about Christmas is finally getting some credit, really. Some of my favourite Christmas carols are “Silent Neigh-t” and “Little Donkey” – because it’s about my cousin.
Protector of Twins
I’m Monster the goat, and I’m in charge! I protect Loofie and Poofie. I don’t like anything about Christmas – last year I asked Santa for a new tyre to chew on – he gave me fruitcake. Rude! Also, I tried to sing loud carols on Christmas night once, but nobody seemed to appreciate it.
Twin One
Hi, I’m Loofie. Do you like my Christmas bow? It makes me feel very fancy. A little bit about me first: When my twin and I were born, our mum had no milk, so our very old gran, Granny Sheep, stepped up and fed us twin girls. We are now 13-years-old. My favourite thing about Christmas is when Father Christmas comes down the gravel roads in his bakkie – always with a treat.
Twin Two
I’m Loofie’s twin. I’m the more “independent” one, according to my mama, Lara. She also says we will never be Christmas roasts – I’m not sure what those are, but I think I can be whatever I want to be. We also have a brother who is kind of odd.
A Good Boy
Hii, I’m Arlo!
During Christmas, Mom and Dad are on leave, and they have all the time to take me to the Umgeni River walk, which is my favourite! I help put up the Christmas tree, but I get shouted at if I try to take any decorations off it again. I just don’t think some of them work with my colour scheme … and some smell wrong. I wear special clothes for Christmas. This one’s even got my name on it!
Main Attraction
My name is Susannah Johanna, sometimes called Hanna-Lief. My humans share meals with me all year round, but the Christmas meals are the best. I also enjoy sitting by the fireplace and being the centre of attention. I think I am the prettiest Christmas ornament of all.
Wrapping paper: 0, Cat: 1
My name is Squish and I love wrapping paper. I don’t know why we can’t have it all year round – it makes much better noises than the stuff I usually play with. I had a sibling that was a horse – Winter Escape was much less keen on crinkly noises.
Whether furry, feathered, or hoofed – these Midlands pets remind us that Christmas is better shared (even if that means sharing the roast).
Here’s to festive memories with all creatures great and small.
Words by: Accacia Foggin